OluKai Ohana vs Oofos - Which Sandal is Most Comfortable?

A Real World Comparison - March 1st, 2018

Hawaiian Flip Flop manufacturer Olukai is known for creating waterproof, "adventure footwear". However, I took a pair of less adventurous Oofos on an island
trekking trip, too. They performed surprisingly well!

How Do They Look?

Well, I think most sane people would agree that the Olukai Ohanas are much more pleasing to the eye. They are low profile, sleek, and stylish.

The Oofos, on the other hand, are marketed as orthopedic or "recovery" thongs.

Yes, they look just as bulky and "Croc-y" as you would imagine, though I guess the design could be worse.

Oofos - Trust me, this is by FAR the best angle for these flip flops

Still fugly enough to warrant me making a few jokes: "I just bought some rubber shoes, and now I'm going to start watching the Weather Channel and yelling at neighborhood
kids to get off my lawn."

I felt like I was wearing paddles on my feet, and not many reviews mention this, but the soles are thick. If you're a bit short, you will love the 1+ inch of lift. I am already awkwardly
tall, so I would prefer less "help" in this department. Haha.

Footbed & Sole Traction

Olukai Ohanas

Again, the Olukai Ohana sandals have been designed for water and beaches...even trekking. The grip on the soles is fantastic. I read some reviews about the inside footbed being a bit slippery
when wet, but I ordered the Olukai Ohana Koa sandals (updated model?), and if this was a problem before, it's definitely not now. Perfect grip when wet.

Oofos

The Oofos are a different story. The footbed is slick when wet, and the soles can be incredibly slippery on smooth, wet surfaces. Every time it rained I had to step ever so
gingerly. My muddy jungle hikes were challenging, to say the least.

Oofos are pretty slippery on the trails...and look at those jungle bites!

In the city, one day a downpour came out of nowhere, and I rushed the last few steps to the elevator in my building. I hit a patch of wet cement and BAM. I was on the ground. No injuries,
luckily...and even though my fall put a LOT of pressure on the Oofos toe strap, the material did not break. This was after a full year of use.

That was impressive. Speaking of long lasting...

Durability

Oofos

As mentioned, I wore my Oofos for a full year before they finally gave out. Those familiar with my lifestyle know that I am constantly on the move. I hike in the tropics a LOT, and put my
footwear under extreme stress. I honestly didn't expect them to last that long.

There were many times when I was hiking trails or at the beach, and they got yanked away from my feet by sticky mud or the incoming tide. The toe strap on many other flip flops snapped
in these conditions, but again, the Oofos never did.

Don't worry, you couldn't see the tape once my feet were in them.Haha

The soles wore down over that year. Eventually I wore a hole all the way through, and duct-taped them up until my Ohanas arrived. Haha. If I can get a full year out of a pair of flip flops, most
people can probably get two. I was impressed.

Olukai Ohanas

I did have higher durability expectations for the Ohanas, but they certainly have delivered. After 2 months of fairly rigorous daily use, they are still going strong, with barely any wear on the
soles. Not much more to say about that. They are tough.

Olukai Ohana Koa Flips Flops - Carbon/Carbon Style

Comfort

Oofos

By now, you may have wondered why I ever bought the Oofos in the first place. Well, I'll tell you why...it's because I tried them on. Haha...seriously, it's kind of unreal wearing a pair of
Oofos. I have never experienced that level of comfort - with any shoe.

I had a knee injury some years ago, and on my long treks (especially with a heavy pack) my knee can really ache now. That literally stopped happening when I started wearing the Oofos.

They kind of feel like you're always walking on the ground at one of those fancy kids' playgrounds...you know, the ones with the soft, padded flooring? Tip: If you really do wear Oofos
on those playgrounds, it's double softness. You'll be walking on clouds!

However, for some people, there is such thing as too much comfort. Many hikers / adventurers prefer more firmness in the soles, and I can see why.

Olukai Ohana Koa

After wearing my Oofos for a year, I was a bit disappointed by how stiff the Ohanas felt when I tried them on for the first time. Still, after all the glowing reviews I read, I decided to give
them a chance.

The girl at the store recommended I buy a snug fit. I wear size 10.5 US, and usually have to buy 11 if there are no half sizes. With her suggestion, I bought a 10.

Olukai 'Ohana Top View - Much better looking than the Oofs in my opinion

You want the truth? After a week or two, I was ready to return these. My feet have never been in so much pain. I think they actually bruised the tops of my feet. I kept pushing, hoping
to break them in...just like the reviewers said. It was an epic struggle.

Then, after about a month of pretty solid use, something miraculous happened. I don't know if the "compression molded midsole" finally formed to my feet, or if I developed some tough calluses,
but now they feel great. Snug and secure!

Oofos - Pros and Cons

Pros

Ridiculously Comfortable

About 30% Cheaper

Lightweight

Might Help You Get a Senior Citizens Discount at Denny's

Cons

You're Wearing Boats on Your Feet

No Traction When Wet / Slippery Footbed

Too Comfortable For Rugged Use

Thick Soles (Gives Tall People Extra Unwanted Height)

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Common Strengths of Both

So, which pair is more comfortable? I guess the simple answer is the Oofos. They are, in fact, the most comfortable I've ever worn.

If you're not as active (and picky) as me, go try a pair on. You'll be amazed.

However, for my lifestyle (and unless I injure myself), I will only buy the Olukai Ohanas again in the future...especially if they last me over a year, which I really believe
they will. They are some of the most expensive flip flops you can buy, but they last - and are worth it.

This a no BS review...these sandals are worn!

The first time I gripped a rocky trail in them, I realized how amazing they were. Not as cushy as the Oofos, but I still have no knee pain, and they're quite comfortable. Since they fit snug and
are designed for water use, I plan on shedding the weight of my aqua shoes in my pack - and just wearing these for snorkeling, too!

Tip: If you wear a half size, go down a size instead of up, and suffer through the break in period. Otherwise you will end up with a great big floppy flip hanging off your foot (did I just write
that?)